Rhonda Balzarini and her researchers discovered (as they had expected), that the polyamorous relationship cohort reported experiencing more “nurturance” from their primary than from their secondary partners.

They also told her researchers that their secondary relationships were more “erotic.”

What is the relationship between getting nurtured and getting nookie?

Dr. Vagdevi Meunier, a prominent thought leader in couples therapy, is my guest for the first video episode of my new Better Relationships through Research Podcast.

Dr. Meunier emphasizes acknowledging and validating each partner's diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences.

In this episode, we’ll discuss the best practices for treating infidelity with multi-racial and bi-racial couples, recognizing the unique dynamics and challenges that can arise within these relationships…

What is Sexual Narcissism?

For the sake of our discussion here today, let’s keep in mind that Sexual Narcissists exhibit not only a general sense of self-importance but also a specific belief in their entitlement to sexual gratification, often at the expense of their relationships.

Narcissists tend to prioritize their own desires over their partner's, with little regard for the consequences…

Forgiveness, a seemingly simple concept, often carries profound implications, especially in the context of infidelity.

Mahatma Gandhi's words, "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong," resonate deeply, highlighting the strength and resilience required to forgive someone who has caused us immense pain.

Is there any science behind the idea for forgiving and forgetting?

After the affair you assess the damage…. what is gone.. and what remains?

… so what happens next?

Affair recovery is best conducted by science-based couples therapists…

Little compares to the devastation people feel upon discovering that their spouses have been unfaithful. Some marriages end right away.

But many others hit agonizing impasses as couples struggle to get past the intense anger, sadness, and mistrust. [Over 60% of marriages survive an affair].

These hurtful interactions wreak emotional havoc on both spouses, and typically neither one has a clue how to help the marriage recover…

“The epidemic of emotional affairs coincides with a tendency that we have noticed for people in long-term relationships to defend themselves psychologically…that is, ironically protect themselves from anxiety-provoking aspects of love.” Psychologist Mark Borg

Stop fooling yourselves into believing that you can have intimate relationships at work and still have a great relationship with your committed partner.

If you want to experience intimacy, passion, and connection…you’ll want to enjoy that relationship for the rest of your life; you’ll have to keep that emotional depth inside your marriage…

The Ashley Madison data breach of 2015 sent shockwaves through the online dating world, revealing the personal information of millions of users seeking extramarital affairs.

This breach not only raised questions about data security but also provided a unique opportunity for researchers to study the impact of infidelity on relationships.

Several studies have since been conducted to analyze the fallout from the Ashley Madison breach, shedding light on various aspects of relationships and privacy in the digital age.

The “safe” advice most all-purpose therapists typically offer is that confrontation is a bad idea.

Confronting your husband’s affair partner indeed confirms their significance, and in many cases, that could be a strategic error from the get-go.

Here’s some practical advice…

Affair partners exist in an artificial bubble. The affair exists as an antidote to a bad marriage. Affairs are fueled by comparison.

But once the bubble bursts and the comparison is rendered irrelevant, the new marriage has to stand on its own merits.

Here’s solid advice on increasing your odds…

When infidelity strikes a marriage, the aftermath can be devastating.

For the partner who cheated, it's crucial to understand the profound impact of your actions on your spouse.

Issues of trust, vulnerability, and deep hurt come to the forefront, requiring a thoughtful and empathetic approach…